Around the world, countries are now opening its door to tourism again, in the form of never-heard before terms like “travel bubbles”, “air bridges” and “tourist corridors”. After having spent half of the year 2020 in lockdown, with sealed borders, it is time for us look at that possibility, of regaining our lost sense of wanderlust. Don’t we want that back?
I know I am aching to travel again and I know many of us are.
There is word for this feeling that we all really want to feel agai.
EUDAIMONIA
However, as we step into the second half of year 2020, we also have to acclimatize ourselves to New Normalcy of social distancing and be sure of carrying a travel fanny pack containing face masks and hand sanitizers. What will travel in the near future look like? Only time will tell, but for now I am really looking forward to traveling again.
I guess it’s going to take us all, sometime before we feel confident to fly again but pretty sure all countries are also getting equipped to welcoming tourists and adapting to the new norm by valuing their safety and security as an utmost priority.
So, for the eager travelers like myself, I have decided to compile a list of places that one can travel to, not only keeping social-distancing and safety norms in mind but also considering the countries that are offering various incentives and deals to woo travelers back.
Some of them I have visited and some destinations have definitely been on my bucket list. Check them out:
5 COUNTRIES OFFERING HUGE HOLIDAY DEALS AND TRAVEL INCENTIVES TO VISIT IN 2020
GREECE
Greece is amongst the safest tourist destinations. Greece being the lazy traveller’s paradise, known for its dazzling colours and great food. It seems like a perfect, post-covid rejuvenating getaway.
Incentive for Tourists: The government is looking to attract tourists by reducing taxes on transportation, even for air travel, as their main source of revenue majorly depends on tourism. International flights have already resumed from June. It’s recommended for all tourists to download the Visit Greece App. Check out their official website for more details.
CYPRUS
Cyprus actually is officially declared a COVID-19 free country, with zero infected cases. Known for its food and beaches, why wouldn’t we want to visit this island country, gorge on halloumi cheese and Mediterranean delicacies to rid us of the gloomy covid mood.
Incentive for Tourists: The only incentive for tourists visiting Cyprus is that the government promises to cover food, medication and accommodation cost, though return-flight cost is not included, if you contract covid-19 while being in the country. However, to enter the country you need to provide proof that shows you are tested negative for coronavirus from within 72 hrs of arrival. Check out more details on their official website.
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan has become a recent tourist hotspot, its popularity has spiked all thanks to beautiful pictures posted on Instagram by travel influencers. Uzbekistan is famous for its blended soviet-style & ancient Islamic architecture.
Yes, did it strike you, those Instagram pics of stunning blue tile-work, that’s Uzbekistan for you.
Incentive for Tourists: The government launched the “Safe Travel Guaranteed” programme, under its umbrella, tourists will receive a compensation worth 3000$, if they contract Covid-19. However, the caveat is that tourist should who book their trip via local guides or registered tour companies in Uzbekistan. Check out more details on their official website.
ICELAND
Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice is all set to attract travellers back. They recently launched marketing campaign called “Let it Out” taking an insight from the world we are living in currently, the common feeling everyone around the globe is feeling, that of frustration and helplessness due to Covid-19. The campaign set out to strike a chord with people to release their high anxiety levels and lockdown frustration out. It asked people to send out their scream to be released in the Iceland, which is known for its beautiful landscape, extremely friendly people and vast expanse of nature. Hoping it could provide people with a feeling of freedom and distraction while being trapped at home.
(The marketer in me really wanted to praise this campaign, got side-tracked from the travel angle 😉)
Incentive for Tourists: Iceland only had about 1000 cases and now the country plans to test all arrivals for COVID-19 at the airport itself free of cost. Those who test negative can bypass quarantine, those unfortunates to test positive will have to self-Isolate for 14 days.
Iceland has a lot of Airbnb options, and some of them come with quite a view, so instead of hotels, I would recommend to check private home stays, it would definitely be worth it to be extra safe.
SICILY
Sicily is more familiar to me from watching Godfather, synonymous with Sicilian mafia. However, it is actually known for its black- sand beaches and famous ski route on volcano, plus there are plenty of home styled local shops to satisfy your sweet cravings
Although, Italy was one world’s worst affected countries due to covid-19, Sicily however isn’t all that Italian.
Incentive for Tourists: Now in a bid to revive its economy, the Italian island of Sicily is offering lot of incentives to lure back tourists.
The government is offering to bear half of the flight costs and a third of hotel expenses, for those visiting the country later in year 2020. Sicily has also offered to entice travellers with free tickets to many of its museums and archaeological sites. To get a voucher of your own, visit their official website.
3 COUNTRIES WHERE INDIANS ARE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL IN AUGUST 2020
We may have to wait till end of August 2020 for the “air bubbles” to kick in to visit the above countries. However, the European countries seems to be easing up travel for us.
The Civil Aviation Minister, recently announced the resumption of international flights through bilateral air bubbles. Currently, there are three countries – France, the US, and Germany that have approved travel routes to and from India.